Ali - I'm very new to this process and I'm hoping to get some great information here today..
kathy L. (Mi) - what info do you need Ali?? n Shar??
Ali - Well everything!
kathy L. (Mi) - We all feel that way!! LOL
Ali - Is that general enough?
bruppert - kathy L. (Mi) are you a new candidate?
Ali - Actually one question I have is in regard to something I've already video taped
kathy L. (Mi) - Are you already a candidate.. do you have your box?
kathy L. (Mi) - yep... been living and breathing this stuff since October
Ali - I led a school wide assembly on Character First
Ali - Yep I just received my box
Ali - The topic was on responsibility...
Ali - My kids led the group in songs, chats, and poems
kathy L. (Mi) - good,,, I know some people are waiting on theirs.
Ali - I spoke with the kids and we discussed responsibility, etc.
Bobbi - I got my scores last Tue. I missed cert. by four points!!!!!
Ali - Can I use any of this for my Social Studies Component?
Ali - 4 points? Now what happens?
kathy L. (Mi) - Oh Bobbi...so close, you are a banker though-right??
Bobbi - I am banking!!!!
kathy L. (Mi) - Ali-what is your ss concept, and your social skill you want to focus on?
Bobbi - I missed the "mark" in Sci. on port. and at AC
kathy L. (Mi) - Man- I am in awe of you and the others..
Bobbi - I also missed the mark in con. curr. at AC
Ali - The social skill is/was responsibility....
Ali - this crosses everything from school to home to "work"
Shar - Did anyone get the yellow letters from NB informing of page changes; i.e. written com. on entry #1 changed from 13 to 11?
kathy L. (Mi) - Bobbi, do you use the new generation instructions now?
Bobbi - I resubmit under last years
kathy L. (Mi) - Yep.. haven't read through it completely, I thought it was just new packing instructions.
Bobbi - I did my sci port. on plants...
kathy L. (Mi) - what grade Bobbi?
Bobbi - I am thinking of redoing it on energy or insects
Bobbi - first
Shar - There are actual page amounts changed. I reread twice...hope I am getting it correct. Entry # 1 dropped from 13 to 11 pages. Can someone else verify this?
Bonita in MO - How do I change my text color so we don't have so many names in black?
kathy L. (Mi) - I have it in my hands..give me a sec to reread it Shar
karen - You might have to log off, Bonita
Shar - You change colors by logoff and then come back in with same name but different color. It prompts you for color change when you sign in.
Bonita in MO - Thanks!
Bobbi - Any thoughts on the "Big Idea" for energy in EC/Gen
karen - Bobbi, it depends on what focus you take
karen - HI, Kelly
karen - Bonita, I like the color!
Bonita in Mo - Hi Kelly!
Bonita in Mo - Thanks, Karen. It shows up, doesn't it?
Shar - I bought the Nat. Sci. Standards book...talks about big idea, but not specific. You must make the big idea happen within your unit. The Standard book is very helpful when you want to know what, how, when to teach science.
Bobbi - As in light energy, heat energy, or mag. en
Kelly - Hi everybody! How is everybody today?
Bonita in Mo - Doing very well, Kelly. How was your Thanksgiving?
kathy L. (Mi) - My brain is tired!
Bobbi - Do you have an example for one area...I'm not sure that I was on the right track with this last year. Scored a 2.0
Kelly - Hi Lori - how are you?
Bobbi - Where did you buy the Nat. Standards Book
bruppert - where do you get this book Nat. science standards, Shar?
Bobbi - What is the exact title of that book
Shar - Did anyone use a PTA President as resource for verification of community involvement for document. entry # 4?
L:ori/FL - Hi Kelly, too much turkey!
karen - I read through the Big Idea section that NB sent last year. I spent more time researching 'inquiry' and I identified the Big Idea after I figured it all out. Maybe the wrong approach, but I did well on the entry
kathy L. (Mi) - Kelly, can you clarify some directions for us? We received a packet with yellow papers that
Bobbi - I just ordered Doing What Sci. Do
L:ori/FL - bruppert, you can find the national science standards on line....
Shar - Go on line and buy it. It cam to me in three days. I read it in three days. All the nec. standards along with their individual explanations are in it. Worth the money. $11.00. Go to the Nat'L Science Standards website. Follow the prompts to buy book.
Bobbi - Does the book get more involved with info than the standards that are on line
karen - I used the Pathways to Science Standards book -
Bobbi - Question Answered!!!! Thanks Shar!
kathy L. (Mi) - I just checked my directions and for entry 3 it does state that we can have no more than 11 pages..not 13!
Kelly - Hi Debbie! and yes, I think the natl sc standards are available online...they're long, but they're available!
karen - Doing What Scientists Do is a good book!
Shar - My spelling is the pits when I type fast, sorry!
Kelly - Hi SCgigi!
Bonita in Mo - Bobbi, I have found the GEMS books to be great resources.
Debbie FL - Hi Kelly
karen - Hi, Debbie
Bobbi - GEMS???!!! That is a new resource for me
Kelly - Bonita - I agree - I loved the GEMS stuff....they're full of helpful info!
Bobbi - Any suggestion where I might find it
L:ori/FL - "Inquiry and the national science standards" can be viewed at http://www.nap.ed/ you can't download it, but you can cut and past it into a word processor
Shar - The Nat'l Standards for Math are on line. Cost: $3.00. Good deal. You can buy it on line by going to Nat'l Stand. for Math and follow leads to purchase books.
SCgigi - Hi-how is everyone?
karen - I got the math standards book for free by asking our county math supervisor.
Shar - For entry #1: do you state the tests used to analyze. student literacy growth.
L:ori/FL - also, search for the northwest regional educational laboratory -- they have several books on line, including inquiry strategies for science and mathematics learning...downloaded them, now I'm trying to read them
Cindy - Hello everyone! My first time here as a NBCT!!
SCgigi - congratulations Cindy
Bobbi - I didn't cert by four points. Any thoughts on redoing the math and sci AC both were under cert. along with the sci port
karen - Shar, I would identify the assessments used.
kathy L. (Mi) - welcome Cindy!
Debbie FL - Congrats Cindy
Kelly - Shar - yes - be specific. Remember that whoever might end up assessing your entry might not know the test you refer to, so give a brief explanation....
L:ori/FL - nwrel is at www.nwrel.org
karen - Me too, Cindy!!
Kelly - Hi MaiLing - can we help you?
kathy L. (Mi) - I have a real dumb question...I am working on writing up my instructional context for entry #1- what
Cindy - Thanks Debbie! Congrats Karen!
kathy L. (Mi) - what is the difference between race, culture and ethnic??
Cindy - Has anyone been able to access website and give info for new NBCTs?
SCgigi - Bobbi, would it help you to redo the sc. portfolio
Bonita in MO - Bobbi, here is the website for GEMS. http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/gems/ GEMS stands for Great Expectations in Math and Science
Kelly - Cindy - I haven't been able to access the nbpts website for days!
L:ori/FL - I'm still in the planning stages for my science/arts and ss/arts/community for my kinders.....
MaiLing - Hi! I'm a newbie with a question about which assessments should I be using (for Entry #1) Can anyone run down a list so I can see how I compare to others out there? Thanks!
Cindy - SCgigi-just saw the congrats...Thanks!
karen - MaiLing, I used the following last year:
Cindy - Kelly, I kept getting the black boxes to see if you certified. I clicked on the left box to see scores, and I got the NB website.
Kelly - MaiLing - tell what informal and formal ones you use....formal would be like purchased ones...informal more like what you create. That's not a DEFINITE difference, but it is part of it!
Bonita in MO - MaiLing, I use Marie Clay's Observation Survey, Running Records, and Developmental Reading Assessment.
kathy L. (Mi) - are running records the same thing as anecdotals?
Shar - #1: do we name the assess? used; informal & formal? Do we discuss which ones worked and not worked?
Carol in SC - Hi, Debbie!
L:ori/FL - I would think that race has to do with Caucasian, African, etc., culture would do with the area they live in, and ethnic would be heritage?
MaiLing - so in other words, informal evaluations DO carry weight? I feel better already!
DebbieMc. - Hello all
Kathy G. - Greetings All, I use the DRA for reading. Is that considered a formal assessment?
kathy L. (Mi) - Hi Debbie..
karen - Informal Reading Inventory, Running Records, County Learning Steps, anecdotal records, Learning Styles Inventory, Dolch Lists, Gentry Spelling Test, Emergent Literacy Survey, a Textbook Language Test, journal entries, teacher-made tasks, sentence dictation, attitudes inventories
Cindy - Hi Debbie!
Dena - Do
Kelly - Kathy - no...running records take the number of words in a given entry that a student reads...through a formula you come up with child's reading level...
Bonita in MO - Bobbi, how do I email you?
Dena - Do I need to explain Running Records or will the assessors be familiar with them?
Cindy - I would explain Dena.
kathy L. (Mi) - oh...yea, Marie clay, and reading recovery right??
Debbie FL - I will piggy back on what Kelly said about the running record
Kelly - Dena - I would briefly explain anything I put in there....
Kelly - Hi gerrie - how are you?
Carol in SC - We were told NOT to assume that the assessor would be familiar with terms such as running records
Dena - Okay
Kelly - and Hi Debbie Mc - I saw you slip in here!
Kelly - Hi LisaNBCT!
Carol in SC - Are any of the newbies working on SS/Art?
Lisa NBCT:o) - Hi everybody!
gerrieK/CA - feeling a bit overwhelmed with the process
Debbie FL - It actually counts the number of errors and why they made an error or why not it is a good tool to assess
karen - Many of the assessments that I used are found in the Marie Clay book
DebbieMc. - I wouldn't assume anything in these entries. Hi Kelly!
Kathy G. - So what is considered formal assessment? Any examples
L:ori/FL - I'm running through ss/art in my head...trying to figure out what I can do there....
karen - Some assessments were dictated by my school and others were my choice
Cindy - gerrie-we all did. Just relax, you can do it!
Bobbi - NBCT any thoughts on retaking one or two AC exercises if you need four points and are redoing one portfolio?
kathy L. (Mi) - When I am writing up my instructional context should I mentionthat t I teach in a room with 2 classes and a teaching partner?
gerrieK/CA - thanks, Cindy
Cindy - YES KATHY L>
karen - I would say if you have standard procedures for administering the test - maybe a county or school wide test
L:ori/FL - kathy, I believe there is a section where we describe our classrooms
DebbieMc. - Wood@#$% would be formal.
Shar - I go to 6 rooms every day to teach lang. & reading. How do I say that in context. info.
DebbieMc. - Sorry but the rest of the word won't come through. You all know that name, I'm sure.
Carol in SC - I am confused in the new directions about instructional materials. It sounds quite different from the artifacts we submitted. Can anyone give examples of what you might include? It says to include exactly 4 pages.
karen - CTBS and our state test would be formal tests
Lisa NBCT:o) - tell how many rooms and students you serve
kathy L. (Mi) - The questions for the instructional context ask you to answer what you teach,,,since I have a self contained room should I just write that or specifically mention my subjects?
Kelly - But in the contextual info I would also go into more detail about the class I used for that particular entry.....
karen - DebbieMc, I thought maybe you didn't like the Woodcock
karen - Pathways to the Science Standards
Lisa NBCT:o) - Shar describe the levels and ages of the kids
Shar - Thanks, Lisa. How should I explain I teach only small groups in each room and not all the students in each room. Just a few from each room.
kathy L. (Mi) - Than makes sense. thanks Kelly. When I video and do specific things I am only using "my" 17 kids..she is using her 17 kids for her portfolio
Kelly - karen - you're ahead of me...I'm still trying to figure the Woodcock out!
DebbieMc. - This is where you give information on your class that gives the assessors a "picture". Why did you teach this unit, this way, to these students.
Cindy - Is anyone here an assessor, or past assessor?
L:ori/FL - you might have to 'borrow' a whole class for the videos....?
Lisa NBCT:o) - I would say just that. Your new Lit. directions don't ask you for large group instruction, just 2 separate kids?
Shar - I worked it out with the classroom tchr. I will use a specific room for both videos. That is O.K. I just am not positive on how to explain I go from room to room everyday.
Shar - Yes, just two students for entry #1. No video for #1. Video for entry # 2 & #3.
Lisa NBCT:o) - Shar there are other people on the ring who borrowed rooms, try posing your question on line I'm sure someone will explain how the did it.
gerrieK/CA - can anyone give me info on the mailring?
L:ori/FL - I'm keeping 'tabs' on 4 of my students for #1---that way I have leeway in case they move---we have a high turnover in our school.
MaiLing - Here's another question -What's a scatter plot? I read this word yesterday , I think it was in reference to types of assessment, but I'd never heard of it before (21st year in the classroom and still learning...
DebbieMc. - gerrie, I can tell you that you won't find any better help or support anywhere.
Kelly - gerrie - write to me at lkelly46@cs.com - I can subscribe you if that is what you would like...or I can give you any info you want
Shar - Anyone borrow a room for the NBPTS? Anyone who is a language or reading specialist and goes from room to room each day?
DebbieMc. - I've heard the term "scatter plot" but I'm too old to pull it up from my long term memory.
Kelly - Hi Carolyn - can we help you?
gerrieK/CA - I signed up but haven't received any newsletter
kathy L. (Mi) - Kelly, I thought I read on the e-ring that there are people who will read and critique our writing for us, and that they charge...is that so?
Lisa NBCT:o) - Hey Shar I'm not trying to blow you off...I just didn't borrow a class and would hate to misinform....try the EC_Gen ring
Kathy G. - scatter plot - isn't' that a plan made by a scatterbrain?
Bobbi - What newsletter are you talking about?
L:ori/FL - scatter plot,,,,,its a graph where you use dots instead of connected lines....the dots are 'scattered
L:ori/FL - round the graph
Kelly - Kathy - yes. I need to repost the info....I've spent limited time on the net in the past three days...but I know I need to repost all that stuff. My kids leave this afternoon, so I'll try to catch up with everything tonight!
Shar - Did anyone get new info on packing instructions? There are page changes in the info, also. Anyone see that entry #1 dropped from 13 pages down to 11 pages?
DebbieMc. - gerrie, did you sign up to read on the web only? You can get digest, web only, and individual emails.
Bonita in MO - Sorry everyone. I am having trouble staying online today.
MaiLing - thanks! Every little bit helps!
Lisa NBCT:o) - Hey Bonita!
kathy L. (Mi) - bless you..taking care of us and your other family, or should I say real family? Does anyone voluntarily read them...is it expensive?
gerrieK/CA - maybe that was the problem, I'll check, thanks DebbieMc
karen - If you have the NCTM standards book, there is a picture of a scatter plot on page 252. I had to look it up. Grades 6-8
Lisa NBCT:o) - I never paid anybody to read...cheap huh?
MaiLing - thanks Karen - I'll track it down (in my spare time LOL!)
Kelly - Kathy - I'm sure that there are some who would read for free. There is no reason that candidates can't read for one another, too. But the people who sign up to be on the reader list on the ring do so understanding the guidelines that have been set up by a team composed of a lot of the folks who have mentored on this ring for all three years of its existence. That reader's list will charge $10 per entry to read and provide feedback.
Connie - My first time in this, or any chat room, and you are so fast! Just staring and getting ready to compose entry 4. Any great time saving suggestions, mistakes to avoid...?
kathy L. (Mi) - all my $$$ seems to be going for new books..I better start asking Santa for help!
L:ori/FL - what state are you in? many BCTs will read in Florida--they get an extra stipend for mentoring
DebbieMc. - you're welcome. It got to be a lot last year with reading for candidates. There were sooo many candidates and not a lot of readers. I was out close to 150 bucks for printer cartridges. Didn't count up time or paper. It can get really overwhelming reading for candidates.
L:ori/FL - all these books, won't we have great libraries!
Carolyn - This is my first time....VERY HELPFUL. I have a question .as I was looking at entry #4 Do we only submit one of the Verification Forms?
Bonita in MO - Hi Connie! I am fairly new at chatrooms, so never fear, you aren't alone. You will catch on soon.
kathy L. (Mi) - Oh...I understand how expensive the ink, mail and paper gets...is the $10 for a one time read through? Or can we resend it after we edit it?
Kelly - Hi Sue! Can we help you?
karen - kathy L - go easy on buying books - be selective. You won't have time to read all.
Carol in SC - The reader I sent to was great, It didn't require printing or mailing cost, but I still sent a small restaurant gift certificate as a thank you. Time is so precious.
Connie - Thanks for the encouragement Bonita in Mo!
DebbieMc. - Carolyn, you don't have to submit a verification form if you have other documentation that you really did that activity. A letter, a card, an agenda, the first page of an article with your name, etc.
Sue - Hi, Hope I'm in the right place.
Kelly - Kathy - that's a one shot deal. Our readers were overwhelmed last year. Some folks sent entries to ALL of the readers and wanted feedback from all! We just don't have THAT many readers for the number of candidates we have on the ring!
Bobbi - kellyL I got the scores missed cert by four points!!!
kathy L. (Mi) - I feel like a kid in a candy store whenever someone mentions a new book! I have to start controlling myself! LOL
Shar - Did anyone see page changes on new packing instructions that came in the mail from NB?
Kelly - Carol - this year the guidelines include snail mailing the entry to the reader - and she will snail mail it back. The guidelines and reader list are in the Files under the new portfolio.
DebbieMc. - kathy L., I'm still getting books to read from the dept. and am behind about 8.
Bobbi - I am a banker and too many opinions could confuse the issue!!!
kathy L. (Mi) - I am sure the money is well worth all the valuable help..now I know to wait until after I feel I am really close to a final draft..I will gladly spend the$$
DebbieMc. - Bobbi's right. I don't agree with everything that I read.
Carol in SC - Kelly, I think this is a great way to go for new candidates!
Bonita in MO - I'm the same way, kathy L. Books are my greatest weakness when it comes to spending money.
Kelly - Bobbi - congratulations! you're something like 99% of the way there!
Connie - I got the corrections, but my port. was good as sent.
karen - I agree with Bobbi and Debbie Mc.
kathy L. (Mi) - what did someone call the bankers on the e-ring..was it ADVANCED candidates?
Bobbi - Thanks Kelly!!! I'll hold that thought
Bobbi - However, I did read a post from a banker who scored 271 the first year and scored 273 this year!!!:0
karen - Not everything that you read here or on the e-ring is correct for you.... but controversy causes us to question and reflect - this is good!
DebbieMc. - I think you'll find that most of the "oldies" on this ring will tell you about the same thing. I'm just not as familiar with some of the newer people. When there were fewer members, we got to know each other very well.
Dede - new to this-guess I will get the hang of it
bruppert - I am wondering about these readers and guide lists you all are mentioning
Kelly - I have to run ... my kids are in the final stages here before leaving. One is driving to NY and the other is flying (I have to take her to the airport)....see you all on the ring. I will be posting some "housekeeping" things tonight and tomorrow now that we're settling down into the portfolio writing!
Shar - Anyone working on Science entry for 2001-2002 NB?
kathy L. (Mi) - Thanks Kelly..safe travel to you and yours!
DebbieMc. - Tell the kids to be careful.
Carol in SC - Thanks , Kelly, for all you do for us!
Bonita in MO - Thanks, Kelly. Travel safely.
Dede - Not science-that was one of my best. I am a banker now. Still handling a variety of emotions
kathy L. (Mi) - Yes. Shar, I am doing snow, ice and winter for it.
DebbieMc. - bruppert, I might be able to help you if you have a question.
Bobbi - I am banking and redoing Sci port. and AC
L:ori/FL - Shar, I'm still in the thinking and planning about science.....
karen - Dede, I am glad that you are persisting - and going to bank!
Dede - My lowest was classroom community. I knew it was weak, but not enough to get a 1.00
DebbieMc. - Dede, hang in there. Give yourself some time. My sister got her scores and felt much better.
gerrieK/CA - I'm in the backwards planning stage too
Andie - bruppert, where do you teach?
Shar - For science, will your video be the 1st, middle, or last part of your unit? Can you tell which part you will video yet?
L:ori/FL - I am dreading the taping...my kids rarely talk above a whisper...except when they're supposed to be quiet!!
bruppert - well I am new to this whole thing and someone was talking about paying readers etc.
gerrieK/CA - we're going to experiment with fabric
kathy L. (Mi) - However, I am waiting on the book doing what scientists do before I really get too far into the planning..I need to get a good handle in inquiry and integration first
bruppert - I teach in Stafford county , va.
Dede - I bought the extra microphone from radio shack that was suggested in the book. It worked well.
Andie - Betty Ruppert, Andrea Remis here!
Carol in SC - Lori, I also had trouble with sound quality. I ended up sending a transcript just to be safe.
kathy L. (Mi) - I am planning on having my video in the middle part so far.
MaiLing - bruppert-I have the list and I can give it to you on Monday !
gerrieK/CA - I'm so scared that I'll miss something for the video that I plan to tape all of my science lessons
bruppert - Oh my goodness, where are you andie??
L:ori/FL - I'm working on getting them to talk so the whole group can hear them and I don't have to repeat everything.....very frustrating!
Shar - The MZP microphone is great. Give it a try. My school system had many to share with tchrs.
Bobbi - Any bankers redoing Sci?
DebbieMc. - bruppert, I read entries last year and got overwhelmed. People would send entries, I would print them out to read. Cost me a fortune in printer cartridges, not including paper, time, etc. At least one person sent her entries to everyone on the reader list. A great many of us thought we would have to stop reading entirely.
Andie - I am just taping and taping! I am working on Social Studies right now.
Lisa - My science video was a culminating lesson but I taped everything
bruppert - thanks mailing!! do I know you?
kathy L. (Mi) - can we tape several different sessions on 1 tape and when we have one we like transfer it to a new tape???
Shar - The Science must have Math in it! Anyone try to do that with Kdg. group, yet?
gerrieK/CA - I'm running into the same problem w/my kids speaking up too
kathy L. (Mi) - Try morning meeting L:ori/FL that is one thing it works on!
L:ori/FL - my medical specialist says her camera has a very good mike--uses it to tape productions at the school....going to borrow it....as its even hard for ME to hear the kids when everything else is quiet ~!
Carol in SC - Kathy, YES that is just what you do. then you can choose the best time to start and stop it also.
Andie - Betty, I am in California. Married, new name is McConnell. I am teaching third grade this year again. So you are working on your NB? Are you on the mail ring?
Dede - I am redoing classroom community and developing literacy. That was a real surprise as I am strongest in literacy.
Lisa - I taped several sessions on 1 tape
gerrieK/CA - I guess I've reminded them to speak up so many times, now there telling each other to speak up! I guess that some progress!!!!!
Shar - Anyone try to tape students making up classroom rules for the video?
Dede - yes, I bombed out on it
gerrieK/CA - Shar what entry would you use that in-making class rules?
kathy L. (Mi) - Shar, I teach kinder..we are going to measure using standard and non standard.graph, count etc//
Bobbi - Dede what was your sci topic
bruppert - Andie, I am working on the NB just this year and we have a cohort in our county
kathy L. (Mi) - social studies for class rules I would think
Shar - What about if you did it just prior to a science experiment or group project?
Dede - We did an experiment on sink and float. The children had objects. they had to predict which would sink or float and then do experiment
bruppert - andie, what is the mail ring, I don't think I am on that
Lisa - One thing that worked for me was to repeat what the kids said...we also practiced using a big voice at classroom meeting times or literacy groups
Andie - Betty, Are you still at Grafton? How are you?
gerrieK/CA - kathy L. how are you going to tie it to science?
gerrieK/CA - but I thought social studies had to be tied to art?
Carol in SC - To give advice, we will need to know which set of directions are being used. The science advice would work for both previous and new directions, but community is much different.
Shar - Drop the rules thing. Does not fit into science, you are right.
L:ori/FL - Lisa, I've been repeating and asking them to repeat....
DebbieMc. - Except you need to remember to tie science/math together for that entry.
bruppert - Andie, still at grafton, Willard Sipple just got his NBPTS this year and he was the reason I am doing mine
kathy L. (Mi) - We are going to estimate amount of snow, use standard and non standard measurement, and I think compare measurement to when the snowmelts. And graph our daily weather
Dede - They are really concerned about using the scientific process while learning the content. I really played up predicting results, doing the experiment, and comparing results to predictions
Andie - There is a mailring/group through yahoo that is a support system for those working on the EC GEN. It is wonderful, the people are extremely helpful and patient.
Bobbi - Dede did you get a good score on that one
Shar - Science and Math go together, Social St. and Art go together.
Carol in SC - Ss/art/community (social skills) all tied into one video
kathy L. (Mi) - don't forget the social skill w/ss and art
Shar - Yes, Carol, that's it. Thanks.
bruppert - yea, Andie, I read some of those today just learned of all of this.
Bobbi - I had used the sci process too and had the national standards and still scored 2.0 on portfolio and 2.2 at AC on sci
Lisa - Being able to hear is a big issue with the assessors...repeating what the kids say is helpful but really practice with them how to speak up to the microphone
gerrieK/CA - maybe they can create posters depicting the class rules they have come up with- that would be tying in some art
Dede - Yes, a 3.5
Andie - Question about the social skill... can it be as simple as active listening in a group discussion?
Bobbi - Dede Wow!!!
L:ori/FL - wow! Dede
kathy L. (Mi) - for example..for ss/art/social skills I am doing police and fireman. For the art they must help write a song to the tune of the wheels on the bus..using inform. about fireman. Then small groups design their props, create a dance and then perform it. Social skill is planning, problem solving and sharing
Lisa - Maybe your kids could create a mural of what following the class rules looks like?
Bobbi - Dede I must just be missing some big here what was the "Big Idea" in sink and float...see I do have work to do in sci????!!!
Carol in SC - Remember that you will need to state a SS goal.
kathy L. (Mi) - or act out what the class rules do and don't look like
Lisa - Kathy L. sounds like you are doing a good job of tying in all creative arts
bruppert - really good, kathyL
kathy L. (Mi) - Fortunately I love the arts..my husb
Dede - Don't forget in art to include the elements of elements of art we learned in college, art appreciation, different media, etc.
madeline - I really don't understand the "big idea" at all.
gerrieK/CA - very nice kathyL.
gerrieK/CA - very
kathy L. (Mi) - oops..my husband is an juggler/magician and we are all involved in theater and music!
kathy L. (Mi) - Thanks Gerrie..I am excited about it.
madeline - in science that is
kathy L. (Mi) - I went to the national arts website and downloaded their standards so I can make sure I specifically address their standards too
Dede - Bobbi: The Big Idea, if I remember correctly had to do with matter and its properties. I took it right out of the Big Idea stuff they sent us
Bobbi - Dede...gotcha!!!!! I am definitely rereading that!!
madeline - you all seem so much further ahead than I am
gerrieK/CA - kathyL. could you share the address?
bruppert - Andie, did you marry the guy you left for?
kathy L. (Mi) - Do I have this right.. for my science/math I am doing winter/snow/ and ice..is this falling under Constancy and change for the big idea??
madeline - I thought coming to this chat would inspire me to get busy
Dede - I am joining a support group that has been started in our county. I live in a rural area, and had NO support during my first year. There are only 3 or 4 certified teachers in my whole county
kathy L. (Mi) - Yea..let me go find it...
Bobbi - Dede how many portfolios AC exercises are you redoing?
madeline - Now I know how my students must feel when they don't know how to get started with something.
bruppert - wait until I tell Liz and all of third grade you were online,
Andie - madeline, don't worry everyone moves at their own pace. YES, BETTY I did. We have been married for 1.5 years, bought a house, a dog and have a nice life out here in CA
DebbieMc. - madeline, think about the big idea of change. Change is a broad concept that you could teach through the three branches of science. Life science, you could discuss change in seeds. to plants, to vegetables or you could discuss the change in the children as they grow and mature. In physical science you could discuss the change in different states of matter. In earth/space science you could discuss the change in the earth when erosion affects beaches, soil, etc. Change is integrated in all three branches. But you could go about teaching change in other ways too. Make connection across the branches.
gerrieK/CA - which entry(ies) are you looking at now, madeline?
bruppert - where , my son was in Monterey for 3 years and we came out there too
Dede - Bobbi: I am redoing 3 portfolios. I did well on my AC.
madeline - I have just been looking at all of them. I think that is my problem. I just need to pull one out and focus only on that one for awhile.
Carol in SC - My science score was so-so. I think it was because I didn't (couldn't) connect magnets to other science learning.
gerrieK/CA - I thought entry 4 was the easiest to plan out and get started on
Bobbi - Carol what was the "big idea" in magnets?
Connie - Madeline I right there with you, very overwhelmed am I!!!!
madeline - thanks gerrie, I will look at that one and see if something clicks to get me started.
DebbieMc. - Carol, did you plan the experiment or let the kids go in a route that they chose--choose some of the variables?
Carol in SC - I am not sure I ever truly figured that out!
Dede - Bobbi-I have to redo Literacy Deve., Classroom community, and Professional collaboration. As far as I can see, I did not really tie my accomplishments, which I thought we good, to student learning.
MaiLing - Madeline-many people have advised us to work on Documented Accomplishments first - then put it aside and work on the others. Try this and see if it helps!
L:ori/FL - my kids are interested in how I mix colors....could I use that for the science?
Bobbi - I understand...I really need to study this'
Carol in SC - I did give students choices and acted on their questions. Cheryl in OK thought it was great. Go figure.
DebbieMc. - Lori, I would let them do their own inquiry. If they're interested, let them decide how to conduct the experiments to answer the questions they have.
charlotte(k/newbie) - Is the instructional context of the entries looked at heavily?
Carol in SC - Debbie, how would you tie magnets to other learning? What connections should I have led the children to? What "Big Idea" would be best with magnets?
L:ori/FL - right, DebbieMC, I thought about giving them different media and letting them discover how they could come up with different colors, keeping tabs on how many drops of color made different colors, etc....?
DebbieMc. - Charlotte, this is where the assessors get a mental picture of your classroom and students. This is where you give evidence that you know these students, how they learn and what you need to do to teach this particular unit, to these particular kids, in this particular way.
kathy L. (Mi) - Here is the website for the arts standards: http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/professional_resources/standards/natstandards/index.html
Connie - How many activities are "reasonable" to use in Entry 4?
gerrieK/CA - thx kathyL
Carol in SC - Magnets are great in that the students can safely handle the materials to set up their own investigations. Only rule was stay away from computers,etc.
DebbieMc. - Carol, it depends on what direction you go. I would look at it as what do these kids know, what do they need to learn about magnets to lay the foundation for further learning. Not necessarily magnets but you could be teaching forces--pushes and pulls.
Andie - Betty, is Patty Toler still at Grafton?
kathy L. (Mi) - Debbie...explain what you mean by doing change across all 3 branches...isn't doing one branch enough? OR do you mean make sure you do it across all branches throughout the year and explain that to the assessors??
kathy L. (Mi) - you are more than welcome
DebbieMc. - Lori, what would this be laying the groundwork for? I mean as far as further science concepts.
kathy L. (Mi) - In other words...I can tie in how baby animals grow up and change in one unit and plants in another,,,or actually both in a farm unit and then mention that?
L:ori/FL - I was thinking constancy and change....how colors mix and change, how different ingredients can be added to make something new?
DebbieMc. - kathy, I mean teaching the big ideas is helping students to learn that the big ideas carry over into every branch and every area of science. Change affects ingredients in recipes, weather, climate, their bodies, etc.
bruppert - Andie, yes, patty toler is still at grafton, some of the teachers are retiring big time this year
kathy L. (Mi) - and then tie those to the weather/winter for my kids in our winter unit..so the focus is change and constancy and not necessarily winter and snow
Andie - IS there a teacher there named Fanya Morton?
Deede - Hi, it's me again. My computer logged me off the internet if I don't do something every so often
DebbieMc. - I mean think about what you're teaching through this unit that these kids need to know for future learning. Make connections so they understand the world better. Minute facts won't help students integrate. And we know that true understanding comes when they are able to integrate learning across all subject areas.
Deede - I think what they want is learning a Big Idea in Science while implementing the scientific process
DebbieMc. - Right. The goals you set are not winter and snow. It's change.
kathy L. (Mi) - I think I got it...should I expound on this in my write up? The part of the portfolio that asks what comes before and after??
Deede - Are most of you new, or bankers
gerrieK/CA - I'm brand spankin' new
Connie - NEWBIE
bruppert - Andie, yes just now she came to grafton
Amanda/SC - I too am thinking about using my weather unit for the science/math entry. will the BIG IDEA be change? That's what I was thinking but no sure.
charlotte(k/newbie) - Newbie
Bobbi - I did plants and how the structure of a plant helps it grow but I didn't pass that one
gerrieK/CA - r u? Deede?
Carol in SC - recently certified
Carolyn - new
Amanda/SC - I'm new, too
Deede - Congrats to Carol in SC
DebbieMc. - Deede, I think you can teach the science process naturally. I think they want you to know the difference in Big Ideas as content and scientific process as steps the kids learn in order to conduct experiments and answer their own questions.
charlotte(k/newbie) - Congratulations Carol!!
madeline - newbie
karen - I included content specific goals and one that related to change
gerrieK/CA - did you type that with a smile, Carol in SC congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope that's me next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
karen - I meant related to change - I did well on this entry
Carol in SC - Thanks, all! You are embarking on a wonderful journey!
Bobbi - The video showed the children investigating the insides of a lima bean and we went right through the sci. process for the whole discovery.
DebbieMc. - I'm sorry, Kathy. I would have to read the directions again to answer that. I hate to give you wrong info.
Deede - I am a banker. I got either very high, or very low scores on my portfolios
kathy L. (Mi) - I will be right back..my son is restless after 4 days of not seeing friends and wants to use the phone...dont say anything real important while I am gone!! LOL
charlotte(k/newbie) - Carol, it doesn't seem so wonderful right now. It seems very scary!!!
DebbieMc. - We'll talk, Bobbi.
kathy L. (Mi) - I understand Deb,.,but you did give
Andie - Wow! I taught her son. I think of her often but lost her email years back and always wondered how to get back in touch with her. So how far are you on this stuff? I am in a present state of procrastination. I should be typing up my accomplishments for entry 4 but instead I am doing this, searching for a recipe for dinner and looking at the National Art Standards.
Deede - Anyone out there in California. That's where I am
Andie - Deede, I am in Riverside County
gerrieK/CA - i'm near l.a. Deede
Connie - New York here.
charlotte(k/newbie) - Has anyone completed an entry yet?
Bobbi - Thanks I think I can use all insight I can get to figure this out. I've ordered some really good books to begin figuring it out,Debbie!!
gerrieK/CA - i thought about completing one, is that close enough LOL
kathy L. (Mi) - I was trying to say Debbie that because of you I have a great "AHA" moment,,those seem far and few between!
Andie - Completed an entry?? No way ! I have barely started any!
madeline - wow, charlotte, completed????!!!!
Amanda/SC - Anyone else in SC or NC and are going or have attended a Pinnacle Seminar on National Board?
Kathy - My box doesn't even get mailed til Dec 1 :>(
DebbieMc. - No, kathy. It's not really me. It's just that you're ready for the AHA.
charlotte(k/newbie) - I am working on entry 4 and just finished teaching my unit for ss/art. I can honestly say I feel lost!
Deede - For the newbies, good luck
gerrieK/CA - where in CA Deede?
Bobbi - I am in NC but haven't heard of that!!
DebbieMc. - Bobbi, we all have to learn in our own way with the right information for us to process.
Carol in SC - I found science the most difficult entry to write. I took a class on inquiry science AFTER the year was over.
charlotte(k/newbie) - Gerrie, I am with you. I think about finishing one all the time
L:ori/FL - debbieMc..i'm trying to think of something simple for my kinders,...I was thinking of taking it (color mixing) and then going into how things change when things are added or taken away....can go into baking or cooking, etc. I'm still working on this....as I said, they were really interested in how I got so many colors from so few jars of paint......
karen - I started one last year this time. I didn't get totally immersed in all entries until Jan.
Bobbi - I understand completely
karen - Where in NC, Bobbi?
Bobbi - Hickory
charlotte(k/newbie) - I am having a difficult time understanding the questions. Is it just me or is there anyone esle having the same problem?
Deede - I found out while writing one entry, that I left some stuff out and had to go back and have students recreate some of their samples.
DebbieMc. - Lori, this might be a good beginning just make sure that you build on that to help them understand (or begin to understand) that change is part of the world around them.
Bobbi - Karen where are you
Bit - probably a silly question, but what does NBPTS stand for
DebbieMc. - Then I'm sure that Carol can add some really good info here...
Sue - I'm lucky to just keep up with the reading
karen - I am in MD, but we went to NC a few weeks ago...looking at colleges for my daughter.
DebbieMc. - charlotte, we all have those problems when we begin. This is a very difficult process. You begin to look at the big picture.
Andie - My unit for Social Studies is actually going to be all year long. We are incorporating art in a few different ways but are working on a major project in the next few weeks.
Deede - National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. It took me a year to remember the order of the initials
DebbieMc. - National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
madeline - I agree, charlotte, they all seem to ask for the same information to me.
Bit - Oh, I guess that doesn't really apply to me in Canada then
L:ori/FL - debbiemc...too bad science isn't connected to social studies....our neighborhood is in great flux, and they are 4-laning the road in front of the school......lots of changes going on there!I'm trying to get a few ideas down so I can think more about how to do them....my kids seem to take whatever I say and don't question.....
charlotte(k/newbie) - Exactly Madeline, I answer one question, then go to the next and I feel like I just answered it.
Carol in SC - I am mentoring candidates and the new questions are just as tricky as the old. My group is working on SS/Art/Community right now.
gerrieK/CA - my kinder kids are so interested in each other's clothing i thought it'd be nice to investigate the different kinds of materials there are, making stains, getting them out, which is best for towels, wet weather, etc
Andie - Not that I am glad that many people seem stuck and struggling but it is nice to know I am not alone.
Bobbi - Last year I worked alone. When I didn't cert. I looked for support and am thrilled that I found this group. I am a banker and still excited about this process
DebbieMc. - When I was going through this, I was the same way madeline. I would read them one time and think they said one thing, then go back and reread and get an entirely different picture of what they wanted.
bruppert - ANdie, do you still hear from Rosemary? Guess who else is doing NBPTS, Mie!!
Deede - I am not sure about teachers in Canada
charlotte(k/newbie) - Carol, Any suggestions, I am trying to write ss/art up now.
DebbieMc. - Bobbi, I didn't have any help either.
Carol in SC - Bobbi, talking things out really helps. Do you have support in Hickory also? This group and this chat are great!!
Deede - Bobbi: I did not have any help last year either. They started a support group in Tulare County, if any of you live in or near there
Andie - Is Mie in Stafford? How is she? I am so gald to hear she is doing it! She really is an exceptional teacher. I miss working with her. Rosemary,,, well Itry but she really doesn't keep in touch with me.
Carol in SC - Charlotte, most of my group are in the early stages. We discussed ways to get all of it in the video--ex. discussion and planning, then showing a little of the art work being done., Or kids sharing already completed projects and sharing them,etc. We are confused about the 4 lpages of instructional materials.
Amanda/SC - I admit I haven't even read through all of the directions...yet. In the ss/art/community entry, do you get the feeling they're looking more to see how your classroom community is or at the ss/art content? Or is it equal??
gerrieK/CA - Carol in SC doesn't the video need to be continuous? are you editing it?
Deede - I really think that getting through the instructions is one of their tests. I joked that it took a PHD just to complete the application
bruppert - ANdie, Mie keeps up with me as she always says I was her mother,, tehe, giv eme your email address and I will keep up with you,you were my competition in the computer contest, remember??
DebbieMc. - If I can't answer anymore questions, I'm going to go on to some more work that I have here at home.
Carol in SC - No, we were simply talking about the different options of getting a bit of all needed content in the 15 minutes
Deede - DO NOT SEND ANY EDITED VIDEO, The instructions are quite explicit about that
charlotte(k/newbie) - Carol, I am concerned about my video. My kids and I were talking about what they thought the Indiand used to communicate with each other. This is what is on the video. Afterwards we talked about Indiand symbols and wrote a class story using them and then they wrote individual ones. Do you think I was off base on the video?
L:ori/FL - thanks for the help debbieMc!
DebbieMc. - Ladies, enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving weekend. Carol, it was good to "see" you again. Bobbi, talk to you later.
Kathy L. (Mi) - Thanks DebbieMc...
Deede - Thanks for you help so far Carol
Kathy L. (Mi) - so there is life after certification, huh?
aggieb - Hi everyone, Hope you all had a Happy Holiday! Mine was spent with so much company,, but ThanK God for family.
Carol in SC - Thanks, Debbie, I still want to talk to you about that new job!
Andie - Carol, I am glad you brought that up... I have taped a few different things none of which seem NB worthy but am really having a difficult time deciding what to tape. I was thinking of doing a video showing my students presenting their art pieces and the others commenting on the differences between each students' art work.
Carol in SC - Kathy, YES, THE LIFE OF A LIFELONG LEARNER. My husband is still waiting for me to relax
Michelle - Hi. I am Michelle from Florida and this is my first time "chatting"
Wynema(SC) - carol and amanda in SC, what part of SC are you in?
L:ori/FL - what part of Florida Michelle?
Amanda/SC - greenville
Kathy L. (Mi) - Oh l please dont tell my husband that!! LOL
Andie - Betty, would you pas my email on to Mie. I would love to be in touch with her. Is she married yet? still with Chris?
Carol in SC - Andie, we talked out the ways you could theoretically show ss, art and social skills ALL on the same 15 minutes.
madeline - hi michelle, where in fl
Deede - WElcome, this is my first time, too, but I think I am getting the hang of it.
madeline - i am also a resident of the sunshine state
Carol in SC - in Mt. Pleasant, near Charleston
Michelle - I am in Clearwater. What about you?
L:ori/FL - I'm south of you in Bradenton....
Wynema(SC) - Amanda, are you in Sara's EC group?
Wynema(SC) - I'm in Greenville also.
madeline - i'm further south, in ft. myers
Kathy L. (Mi) - Michelle..are you the one trying to contact childcraft for a book?
bruppert - Andie, not married but still with Chris, yes, I will pass it on to her.
Amanda/SC - we had 73 teachers to certify in my district this year....we can do this!
L:ori/FL - so I'm the monkey in the middle?
Andie - Carol,And, what did you decide? Is it possible?
Michelle - I hope I can figure out how to do this. Do we just ask questions or give input? I do not want to "cut" anyone off.
Amanda/SC - I am in Sara's group, but haven't been able to attend all of the meetings
Sue - I'm further south in Boca
karen - jump in, Michelle
Kathy L. (Mi) - do both michelle...you wont cut anyone off!
Andie - Deede, you are in CA? Where?
madeline - LOL Lori
Deede - I am going nuts right now. My son wants me to listen to his new CD-one I am sure Ai will not approve of. My husband is going to school to get his credential. He keeps say "Do you know......?", my handicapped daughter is anxious to leave to our friends for dinner, even though it's only 2:30 right now.
Deede - Andie: I live and teach in Exeter, Ca. Where are you?
charlotte(k/newbie) - Carol, are you still there?
Amanda/SC - The lesson I want to use for my video would involve the children working in groups outside... I don't see how I can show this due to the no editing rule (because the rest would be inside). Do you think it would be okay if we just talked about what we did outside and continued with the indoor activities??
Andie - I teach in Perris, CA just south of Riverside
Carol in SC - We thought of something like what you said. Either show a completed project and include ss and social skills, or show what led up to the project clearly showing what the plan is. They wanted to have more than one planned opportunity to video in case of a mess up
Michelle - I am feeling very "lost". I have finished writing Entry 4 and am in the editing stage, so I am happy about that. I will begin the initial stages of entry 1 tonight with my preliminary collection of artifacts.
aggieb - Amanda I am moving to SC ,,, I am right next door in NC
Carol in SC - You will need to have the social skill in mind so you can "facilitate' the children using that skill.
L:ori/FL - michelle, join the crowd!
Michelle - I have video taped for both entry 2 & 3, but feel like neither is "goodenough". Am I waay behind or is anyone else feeling the same way?
Amanda/SC - aggie, what part of SC?
Deede - Andie: I know where that is. We have a two week break in Oct. Went to Palm Springs for one week to visit my sister and look up my grandfather's grave in 29 Palms. Also visited Riverside National Cemetary to see my in-laws graves. Beautiful place
L:ori/FL - you're not way behind! I wasn't planning on taping until after the holidays! Want to get my kids voices a bit louder......
Andie - Can the social skill be giving feedback to their classmates?
Carol in SC - Amanda, yes I think you could write about what happened next. Read the directions about the video. (I don't have them) It ways exactly what they expect to see. Make sure they see it.
Wynema(SC) - I teach 4's and we are still working on community building and talking with each other. I am not even considering videoing yet.
Carol in SC - Positive language, showing respect to the speaker,--
Kathy L. (Mi) - Michelle..I asked that same question to the e-ring, as I wont be touching the science and social studie until January...they helped me to understand that I need to do this at my ace, I have plenty of time and am not behind@! But I know how you feel!
aggieb - No Amanda, I am in NC, next to myrtle beach
L:ori/FL - I'm still working on #4, and starting to collect for #1---hjad a collection, then read where they wanted the dictaction on a separate piece of paper instead of on the child's work!
Deede - Michelle: sounds like you are way ahead of the game.
karen - active listening would be a skill used
Andie - Wynema, I suggest videoing now to get the kids used to it so they don't make faces, etc when the time comes.
Kathy L. (Mi) - been there, done that L:ori
Wynema(SC) - I have a question about the time frame. The directions say not to overlap units in the introduction, but surely that doesn't mean the time frame for collecting the literacy samples. what do yall think?
karen - Kathy L. - good idea to wait to dive in until you understand what they want
Wynema(SC) - yes, I have been videoing , just not thinking about using any of them. Thanks
Carol in SC - Last year literacy wasn't considered overlap.
karen - Wynema - you need to keep collecting the literacy samples
aggieb - I have started on all entries and I feel so bogged down,, I try to work everyday on something.. I am looking forward to the sciene unit
Kathy L. (Mi) - right now my focus is on reading, reading, reading..collecting info from all of you on the ering, and planning.working on literacy and entry 4
Andie - I have been working with the kids on active listening activites during our morning meeting because they really were in need ! It seems to be working.
Deede - Andie: Good advice about getting the kids used to the taping. I actually had one student turn to the video and, very emphatically "flip off" the camera. Pretty scary for a first grader. Needless to say, I could not use it. I did show it to his mother at a parent conderence
Amanda/SC - I'm supposed to be typing up entry 4 right now, so I guess I'll get busy - thanks for the help everyone!
L:ori/FL - i don't think literacy is considered overlapping this year either.....at least that's the way I read it...
bruppert - Wynema, I teach first grade and we video every week on a schedule to give the children the idea about it
charlotte(k/newbie) - Can we use samples of student work where we have dictated for instructional materials for ss/art. Will it make a difference that we wrote on the student work sample?
Wynema(SC) - That helps, I suppose they just mean not to use literacy samples that come from the 2 units featured with ss and science
Michelle - When you all are thinking on integrating the arts, what type of arts are you thinking of (for K children). I thought about role playing with my topic. Is that acceptable?
Carol in SC - Kathy, I did a lot of reading during the year. I found it helped to take notes on large sticky notes and put them in my folders.
karen - Kathy L. Copy messages that think have useful info for later. Put them in folders - one for each entry
Kathy L. (Mi) - hey Deedee, talk about documentation..Hee Hee
aggieb - believe it or not,, a NBCT used a video that flipped off the camera.. i could't believe it,, but she said it was about her content not that one child
L:ori/FL - michelle, go to the fl doe website,,,they ahve the sunshine state standards for the arts there.....
karen - Michelle, Don't limit it to one type of art form
Kathy L. (Mi) - I have just spent about 4 hours doing that, but the things I save are from the ring and I copy & paste them into word files that correspond with each entry..also set up my bookmarks to go with each entry, that was amessy bookmark file I can tell you!
Kathy L. (Mi) - actually karen, I think I got that idea from you on the ering...was that you??
karen - You are off to a good start, Kathy L.!
charlotte(k/newbie) - Hello Thomas, Have you gotten your box yet?
karen - I did paper copies in folders. I found that to be a more effective system for me.
Kathy L. (Mi) - If any of you are not on the ering, do not pass go, do not collect $200 sign up right now it is so valuable!
Michelle - It is amazing how in kdg. I feel so inept about doing meaningful arts.
bruppert - is this ering on the yahoo?
Michelle - I agree, the e-ring is SUPER! I am amazed at how much I have learned and how much it has made me think.
charlotte(k/newbie) - Michelle, what is your topic for ss/art?
Dedee - Whoops, lost you again. Had to change spelling of name to stay on
Kathy L. (Mi) - Yep..it was you! I was afraid I would lose the papers so I set up your system on my laptop and save everything to disk! Thanks for the great idea! IT took time but is worth it. IT also takes more time to read and sort through new digest email but worth it!
karen - Michelle, that was my lowest scoring entry last year. I had great SS content, but in rereading it, I realized that I connected visual arts. I didn't integrate a variety.
Kathy L. (Mi) - Yes bruppert!
L:ori/FL - michelle, don't feel bad! You arne't the only kinder trying to figure it out!
Michelle - I am doing the copies with each entry too. I have ordered the Morning Message Book and Constructing Curriculum. (Thanks Kathy for helping me with the info.)
Dedee - I had a student who actually flipped off the camera during the taping. I did not use it, but did show his mother the tape at a conference
Kathy L. (Mi) - I have said it before..God has sent us many Guardian angels via the ering!
karen - Oh, Kathy L. I di have a disk for each entry.... I forgot!!
Kathy L. (Mi) - Your welcome michelle,,now I am waiting for confirmation that they have it in stock and will ship it!
Dedee - Got to go. Have to call my friend
Kathy L. (Mi) - I am trying to figure out where it is best to keep my backup disks.
karen - The Morning Meeting Book is super!
Carolyn - How do you start the ering? Forgive me I'm new.
Michelle - When y'all are thinking of science topics, are you really developing existing topics of study or are you "creating" something "new" to you?
Kathy L. (Mi) - My kinders love morning meeting! They start all on their own if I even mention that we have MM real soon!
Michelle - Go to Yahoo and do a search for EC_GEN and join the group.
Wynema SC - Andie, what sort of active listening activities have you tried?
bruppert - how long do the chats go for? I am new at this.
Kathy L. (Mi) - Karen or Aggie..can you give them directions for the ering I dont want to mess them up!
Kathy L. (Mi) - Tom, are there 2 of you in Aniak???
karen - I joined the ring by going to yahoogroups.com - I am not sure whether Kelly has to sign you up or not.
Kathy L. (Mi) - LOL I see there are 2 logged in!
Kathy L. (Mi) - No she doesn't but I know she offers to do so for many people!
karen - I used a science topic that I had used before - matter
Andie - I did an activity with partners where the students talked for 1 minute. Their partner had to be showing through body language that they were listening. Then when finished the listener asked a question or two then they switched roles.
AlaskaTom - No, my connection at home is very slow and my home computer is ancient. I give it Geriton evertime I work on the list. I'll have to start using the computer lab at school.
Wynema - Thanks Andie. I don't know why I am logged on twice.
Michelle - I was looking at using bubble stuff for science. I want the children to see that the bubbles do not change shape and how the way they blow affects how big it is and what types of things they can use to make bubbles and anything else they come up with for questions. It is not a "new" idea, but one the children love and can provide them with wonderful opportunities to experiment and drw conclusions. Is this topic too simple?
Kathy L. (Mi) - All teachers in Michigan got new laptops...and they are soooooo slow that I had to pay for an upgrade cause it was driving me nuts!
karen - Kathy L. Where in Michigan are you?
Kathy L. (Mi) - I am in Flint...are you from Michigan??
karen - Michelle, does it lend itself to inquiry -
karen - My husband grew up new Detriot. He has family in Mt. Clemens
Andie - We are doing an art project that is modeled after one that has been done across the country...a city chooses an animal and then different artists (my kids) make and decorate the chosen icon. The icon will be decorated to tell thae class about themselves. We will be focusing on differences and similarities in our city. That is the shortened choppy version. We are also going to make a city flag, city brochure, city anthem and much more...will that be okay?
Kathy L. (Mi) - actually we got to choose between software, a desktop PC or a laptop all paid for by the state. I beleive the actual funds came from the cigarette companies $$ they had to pay to the states!
Kathy L. (Mi) - Karen, I now right where you are talking about!
karen - Michelle - you are the only one to decide if it will work - based on how it is approached. Make sure that you explore inquiry so that you have a firm understanding prior to teaching the lessons
L:ori/FL - Michelle, I also understand that what we do for science has to be something that we can use as a gateway to other areas of science...must have the 'big idea' in there...seems everthing has to be connected to something else.
Michelle - I am going to begin the unit with KWL and let them lead where we go with the bubbles. I want them to direct the activities. I think the inquiry will come in as they figure out the best way to make their bubble bigger or other (every day objects) that can be used to make bubbles.
Michelle - I am hoping that they will see how what they do impacts what happens.
Sandy/SC - Michelle, do you have the book Bubble Festival or Bubbleology putout by GEMS? GEMS is like AIMS
AlaskaTom - When did the state get the computers for you. I would think they would be very fast!
Michelle - One question I have about inquiry, as I was reading a science standards books that talked about inquiry, it said that one myth that teachers have is that the questions have to be totally student generated. I sorta thought that was the goal.
Kathy L. (Mi) - We got them in the spring, however, they have loaded so many things on it that our district requires us to have on them that they are extremely bogged down,,,it took about 5 minutes just to get to the main windows screen.
Sandy/SC - The book has about 15 activites on bubbles and are linked to national standards I believe
Michelle - I had not heard of GEMS until I joined the ring. I plan to send a meeage on our county's chat board to see if someone some of the materials.
Kathy L. (Mi) - Michelle, students generate questions, but my undertanding is that we can facilitate and guide the questions also
Michelle - Thank you so much for the info. I just felt like it is a topic the children can really explore and have questions about. I know I thought as a child that you could blow bubbles in all shapes depending on your wnad. =)
Kathy L. (Mi) - My neices best friend can blow a tiny bubble from spit..i was amazed. Hopefully one of yours wont do that!
Michelle - Too funny!!
Kathy L. (Mi) - It actuall
L:ori/FL - michelle, have your media specialist check on the (I forgot the name of the service that links most of the states libraries, Sunlink?) and see if its available that way in case no one in your county has it....
Kathy L. (Mi) - it actually floated in the air. LOL
Michelle - Well, I have a special needs child in my class who is focused on blowing because he was the "wolf" in a three little pigs play in pre-K. I want to give him something constructive to do with that blowing besides blowing in other children's faces.
AlaskaTom - If anyone is still there, keep talking.
L:ori/FL - Michelle, keep the thought of that child....would be good in your write up
Michelle - Sun Link, what a great idea!! I didn't even think about that since I have not used it before. I will check into that first thing Monday. You are brillant! =)
Kathy L. (Mi) - Well...I got a lot infor tonight! I have been working on nationals since about 11:30 do I should go and spend time with my family! See you all next Sat.
Michelle - Bye Kathy!
L:ori/FL - no, just good friend with our media specialist....always giving me good ideas!
L:ori/FL - by Kathy! enjoy the family!
AndieM - SOmehow my computer kicked me off but I am still logged in! Amazing! Anyway I am the same Andie
Michelle - Lori, what is your county doing to provide you support?
bruppert - glad you are baCk, ANdieM
L:ori/FL - We have monthly support meetings--this month it was on #4, in January it is on taping.....
AndieM - Ruppert, can you think of anything to add to my accomplishments?
L:ori/FL - we also have our own area on our district First Class server....
bruppert - Andie, is anyone in your county working on this too
Michelle - We have meeting every other week, facilitated by NBCT. Then I just found out that there is a separate EC-GEN group meeting as well. I am going to try to get hooked up with them.
AlaskaTom - Hey Lori, anything special we should know about entry 4?
AndieM - Not my school district. My county yes but out here a district is the size of Stafford!
bruppert - AndieM I could say your accomplishments were the Toga party in your class ,
Michelle - That is cool about your own area on the First Class Server. I will have to ask about that in our meeting this week. I don't think we have one, but it would be a good idea!
L:ori/FL - Michelle, by all means! get as much support as you can....if you email me at lacteaches@aol.com, I'll try to get a list of places on the web that I found
AndieM - ARe you joking? I must say that was one of my best days ever of teaching! That was the day we taught the kids about Taxation without representation!
L:ori/FL - #4--just make sure whatever you write about has an impact on student learning! Had to pare down my list of accomplishments because I can't seem to show how it directly affect the students.
Michelle - Thanks, Lori! I will write you. Any help is much appreciated!
bruppert - ANideM,my point exactly write about it
Michelle - Lori, do you have children at home?
Michelle - or anyone here?
L:ori/FL - having a rough time on the parent involvement---we are a Title i school and have always had low parent involvement--and over half my class qualified for ESOL and most of those parents don't speak English--and I don't do very well with Spanish (though I TRY) and Creole is a zip for me.
bruppert - the kids will never forget it and it did impact their learning big time
L:ori/FL - Thankfully, my "baby
AndieM - Ruppert, I guess that is collaboration.... maybe I will! I hadn't thought about it!
AlaskaTom - Hey Lori, could you e-mail me the list of places also. I'm on my own in the boonies here.
Michelle - I still find that I try to do most of my work while they are sleeping or I am either keeping very late or very early hours in hopes of not cutting into our time together too much.
L:ori/FL - Depends what you consider children. I have a 24 year old son and my hubby
Michelle - Is this realistic. I know in the last month, especially that goal will be impossible, but I am trying for now.
AndieM - I guess I am lucky not to have kids during this huh?
L:ori/FL - sure, I'll try...just email me your email and I;ll try to get it together.
bruppert - L:ori/FL , that is true for me and Iam a granny now, you will love it
L:ori/FL - One of our mentors only wrote on Saturday and Sundays......family knew she was "at work".....said it worked for her.
AndieM - Ruppert..what you are a granny????
bruppert - I would love the list as well then I could share with others, could you email it to me too, L:ori/FL
Sandy/SC - last year we had entry 5 and 6 for your entry 4. My mentor was an assesor for those 2 and she led me to believe that you need to show how you are a leader,learner,focus on improving teaching and learning and a collaborator. She said that is what the assesors are looking for
bruppert - ANdieM. yes, my oldest son got married out there and they have a child now
AndieM - I need to ask Patty Toler to write me something about my tech classes I taught at Grafton to use as documentaion for entry 4
Michelle - Congrats to y'all!
AndieM - Well congratulations to you Ruppert!
bruppert - ANdieM, I hve her email too want it?
L:ori/FL - gotta run...going to go see Monsters, Inc.-----will catch you next week....
Michelle - Bye Lori, I will be writing you.
Michelle - So this chat begins at 4 each Saturday?
L:ori/FL - got it, tom!
AndieM - I think I have it but I am unsure..send it just in case.
AndieM - Have fun,Lori
Michelle - I know I it will be a valuable tool as I go throught the process. Thanks in advance to all of you for putting up with me. =)
Michelle - Well, now my girls are calling for dinner. I better get. I will try to be on time next week. Thaks for listening and for the advice!
AlaskaTom - Michelle, you ask excellent questions, helping us all to learn.
bruppert - ANdie, did you get it?
AndieM - So Ruppert, how are things? What is the scoop at Grafton? How is Martha Ferebee?
bruppert - still there and doing great, her son Scott is at VMI and Sam is at VT. she seems fine
bruppert - in fact even though we have two new principals and there are some changes it is still the same
bruppert - the lastest news is Willard got his NBPTS
bruppert - he only missed it by 1 point and he did the section over
bruppert - anyone else you remember?
AlaskaTom - Are you working on your entries simultaneouly or one at a time?
bruppert - in the cohort we are in we are all working on entry #4 right now and then later we split according to grade levels
andie - Are you kidding, I remember everyone. Truly it was the best teaching I have had so far!
AlaskaTom - That sounds like a very good way to do it
bruppert - yes, for me too, I left Grafton and came back 5 years later and been there since. love it!!
AlaskaTom - Does your cohort meet face to face or is it a virtual community?
andie - I have taught in a group home, middle school and now back to elementary. My colleagues are nice but not southerners! I loved the hospitality I found there.
bruppert - the ladies leading our cohort say it is the hardest thing to write and I agree
bruppert - oh no it is real like a graduate class about 30 folks
andie - I am having a very tough time with entry 4.
AlaskaTom - Andie, it sounds like you just described some great experiences for your accomplishments
bruppert - me too, I have trouble writing and tooting my own horn and then to get documentation from people too is fun
bruppert - I have nto studied the others so I can finish this
andie - Really, Tom what!
bruppert - but it is going slow
AlaskaTom - Andie, I'm in the same boat with Entry 4. I have been getting some great info from the mailring though
bruppert - don't let ANdie fool you Tom, I knew her when she was first teaching right
bruppert - I have to do this mailring too
bruppert - I have not done this, is it good?
AlaskaTom - Hey ladies, if you check the EC mailring on yahoo, you'll find I asked just about every question you could think of about entry 4.
andie - I just don't know what to say about myself... also I have not done any grant or article writing. I have only facilitated a handful of prof. developments (and that is if you have a very small hand) I was a mentor but have no idea how to put it in writing.
bruppert - do you know where your questions are posted?
bruppert - ANdie, I have not done a grant or article writing but you did teach at Grafton some classes and that is good
AlaskaTom - Bruppert, if you are not doing the mailring, you are missing the boat. I must have gotten 25 answers to my questions from the experts. Do you want me to send you what I have gotten from them so far?
andie - Did you take any of them... I can't remember
bruppert - we have amentor program at our county and I have done that
bruppert - no I didn't take any of them,
bruppert - I guess I am missing the boat... how can you send them to me on email
andie - Ruppert, I suggest the ring too. It is more helpful then my two cohort groups.
andie - Send me your email and I will send it to the person in charge.
bruppert - tom, is the stuff still online at yahoo?
AlaskaTom - Yes, I am the most recent poster. If you check the mailring for the last 2-3 days, you'll see lots of activity on entry 4, everybody is working on this one now.
AlaskaTom - Yes, it sure is. Just look in the archives. If you send me your e-mail addresses I'll send you the answers I got and get you to the webpage.
bruppert - where do I go on yahoo?
andie - I started an email to the monitor just hook me up with your email and you will be set.
AlaskaTom - I asked the exact same question and so did about 10 other people. You must do the mailring.
bruppert - I will d o the mailring I just did not know of it
andie - Ruppert, I sent you a copy of the email I sent to the monitor.
AlaskaTom - It is only now that I have some idea about entry 4. I've not started writing, but I am collecting documentation.
bruppert - well I guess I should go to yahoo now for 2 hours
andie - Ruppert, they won;t let you on without a password , and permission
bruppert - I have a yahoo account and password isn't that all you need
andie - Tom, I read some of your accomplishments on the ring you have been very involved and busy!
AlaskaTom - It won't take that long. You can just look through the posting that say entry follow the threads. I've been cutting and pasting the replies. Do you want me to send you what I have?4 and
andie - No, they have to allow you as a member
bruppert - , so what do I do so Ican read on the ring?
AlaskaTom - Andie, I felt sort of yucky posting my "accomplishment" to the ring, but I was really confused. I hope you were not bored reading them.
andie - Bored-no, envious yes!
andie - Ruppert, just wait to hear form Kelly. SHe will get you all set up.
bruppert - who is kelly?
andie - She is the ring monitor
AlaskaTom - If you are an existing yahoo groups member there is a way you can tie all of your groups together. The easiest way for me was to just sign up again with a simple name and password.
bruppert - OH,, now I need to be patient
AlaskaTom - Ruppert, if you don't "know" Kelly, you are doing NBPTS the hard way. She is this amazing person who started the mailring 3 years ago.
andie - If I remember correctly that is not your strong suit!
bruppert - Ok tom, send me the stuff you have so I can read aboaut docmentation and I can work on it, thanks in advance
bruppert - Being patient, no I am a go getter even at my age,
bruppert - tom, email address is bruppert@aol.com
AlaskaTom - Bruppert, when you get going, do tell Kelly that we sent you. It would be a tiny way for us to give something back to her and all that are helping us, right Andie?
andie - I need to go get my ingredients for a delicious dinner! IT is pouring here and we are going to stay in and have dinner to give me a break from all this! Great to talk to you Betty! I am so glad we are doing this at the same time!
bruppert - well thanks to you both for getting this old lady set up so Ican be accomplished and documented too
andie - Tom, I am sure I will see you soon! Nice chatting with you!
bruppert - Andie and I used to teach across the hall from each other for 3 years and I have not heard from her in years
bruppert - where do you live Tom? and what do you teach?
bruppert - I promise I will tell Kelly that you both got me into this. thanks again
AlaskaTom - I live in Aniak, Alaska. I teach kindergarten until 2pm. Then I teach computer classes and music for the remainder of the day.
bruppert - OH my how diverse is that??
AlaskaTom - You guys really have a connection to each other. When you work across the hall from each other, you are connected for life, just accept it.
bruppert - that is super!!well I better go for now as I have my husband who thinks I spend too much time on the computer lately, and I didn't even know of the good stuff. LOL
AlaskaTom - You can probably tell that our school is tiny probably compared to yours.
bruppert - yes, she was cute and newly in love with this guy that she went to CA with and then married.
bruppert - yes our school is huge now almost 800 K-5
AlaskaTom - I've got your e-mail and will send you the "good stuff". I've got a headache because I stayed up too late last night. Take good care of yourself.
bruppert - I am one of 6 first grade teaches
bruppert - well thaks in advance again and get rid of the headache bye for now
AlaskaTom - I forgot to mention that I team teach 1st grade for part of the day. We've only got 75 kids K-5 this year
bruppert - oh my lie a one room school house
AlaskaTom - I'll talk with you later, Bye
bruppert - bye
